Toddler Lunch Idea -- Homemade Hot Pockets!

Kids with food allergies can't do most pre-packaged food items including one of my favorites from growing up, Hot Pockets. Here's a version that will be fun for kids because they can choose their fillings and help you assemble them and they're great for either lunch or dinner. You can even make them ahead of time, freeze separately and pull them out and pop them in the microwave as you need them. It's also a great way to use up any leftovers you have in the fridge. And the best part? They're a lot healthier than the real thing!

Homemade Hot Pockets

For the dough:

1 cup water

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cups whole wheat flour

For the filling:

This is where you can get creative!

We tried: tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese and green peppers. 

You can also do:

tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, leftover meatballs

leftover chicken, salsa, black beans and mexican cheese

cheddar cheese and broccoli

roasted garlic, spinach and chicken

pesto and chicken

Have fun with it and let your kids think of their own creations!

Topping:

Olive oil

parmesan cheese

garlic powder

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 F. In a glass measuring cup, heat 1 cup water until warm (but not too hot). Drop in 2 t. yeast and let rise for one minute. Add the salt and olive oil and gently stir. In a stand mixer with a dough hook (or a food processor), add the 3 cups flour and water mixture and process until a dough ball forms. Coat a large bowl with olive oil and let the dough ball rise in the bowl for 15 -30 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the other fillings by mixing the cheese, sautéing or chopping any veggies you are using, etc. 

Divide dough into 6 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and then flatten out with a rolling pin. Add your desired filling and seal the edges together as best you can with your fingers. Flip the pocket over and lay seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Make a couple of holes with a fork, brush tops with olive oil and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and garlic powder. 

Bake in the oven fro 12-15 minutes. Enjoy!